Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Guide (2025): Best Transfer & Award Options
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is known for its generous award chart and excellent partner redemptions, especially on Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and other Oneworld partners.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Guide
Your complete guide to maximizing credit card transfers and finding exceptional flight redemptions with one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs.
Introduction to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is known for its generous award chart and excellent partner redemptions, especially on Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and other Oneworld partners.
In This Guide:
Credit Card Transfer Partners
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan has a more limited set of transfer partners than some other programs, but the exceptional value of its award chart more than makes up for this limitation.
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilt Rewards | 1:1 | Up to 24 hours | Monthly 25% transfer bonus on 1st of month |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 3:1 | 3-5 days | Occasional transfer bonuses |
Pro Tip: Always check for transfer bonuses before transferring points. A 20% bonus effectively makes your points worth 20% more, significantly increasing your redemption value.
How to Earn Points
Credit Card Spending
- Alaska Airlines credit cards for direct earning
- Transfer from Bilt Rewards (1:1 ratio)
- Transfer from Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 ratio)
Flying Partners
- Fly Alaska Airlines and earn based on fare
- Credit Oneworld partner flights
- Earn on Emirates, Condor, and other partners
For most U.S.-based travelers, credit card transfers represent the fastest and most efficient way to accumulate a substantial balance of points, especially when taking advantage of welcome bonuses and transfer promotions.
Key Program Features
Generous Award Chart
Fixed award chart with excellent partner redemptions, especially on Emirates and Cathay Pacific
No Fuel Surcharges
Most partner redemptions don't include fuel surcharges, keeping costs low
Important Note: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles expire after 36 months regardless of account activity, so be sure to use your miles before they expire.
Sweet Spot Redemptions
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers several exceptional sweet spot redemptions that provide outsized value for your points, particularly for premium cabin travel.
| Route | Economy | Business | First | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US West Coast to Asia | 40,000-50,000 points (one-way) | 70,000 points (one-way) | 120,000 points (one-way) | Excellent value on Cathay Pacific A350 and JAL 787 routes to Asia |
Spotlight: Emirates First Class Sweet Spot
Alaska's partnership with Emirates offers incredible value for first class redemptions to the Middle East and beyond.
Example
- US West Coast to Dubai (DXB) on Emirates
- Experience Emirates A380 first class with private suites
- Total cost: 180,000 Alaska miles + taxes
Best Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Award Opportunities Right Now
Award flights available through Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan with excellent value. These opportunities are updated in real-time.
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Best Credit Cards for Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
These credit cards offer the best opportunities to earn points that can be transferred to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Chase
$95
3 Free Night Awards (each up to 50,000 points)
6X at Marriott hotels, 3X on groceries, gas stations, dining; 2X on everything else
- Free night award annually (up to 35,000 points)
- Automatic Silver Elite status
- 15 elite night credits annually
- Path to Gold status through spending
American Express Gold
American Express
$250
60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in 6 months
4X at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), 3X on flights, 1X on other purchases
- Up to $120 annual dining credit
- Up to $120 annual Uber Cash
- Access to Amex Offers
- No foreign transaction fees
American Express Platinum
American Express
$695
150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in 6 months
5X on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, 5X on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
- Comprehensive airport lounge access (Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub)
- Over $1,500 in annual statement credits
- Gold status with Hilton and Marriott
- Fine Hotels & Resorts program with suite upgrades
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Pro Insider Tips
- Book Emirates first class for 180,000 miles one-way - exceptional value
- Use Cathay Pacific for business class to Asia at 70,000 miles
- Book JAL for domestic Japan flights at just 20,000 miles round-trip
Start Your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Journey
With some of the most competitive redemption rates in the industry, particularly for round-trip premium cabin awards, ANA Mileage Club offers exceptional value for travelers planning trips to Japan, across Asia, and even around the world.Whether you're planning a simple trip or a complex multi-destination journey, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers exceptional redemption opportunities.